EU foreign policy and the Ukraine crisis

The growing politicization and securitization of all areas of German-Russian relations marks the end of Germany’s post-Cold-War Eastern policy. Returning to business as usual is now utterly impossible on both sides. But there is a positive side to this reality check: an end to German naivety about Russia. Stefan Meister's article in the current issue of Russia and Global Affairs, published by the Foreign Policy Research Foundation.

Viewpoint

The EU Commission should take concrete steps to address the public’s concerns

The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, if signed, would create the world’s largest economic zone. But its supporters face a credibility problem: ever more Europeans, especially Germans, see in TTIP a threat to their way of life, and to democracy – a “secret treaty” that protects corporate interests while undermining high European standards for the environment, health and consumer protection. Here are five issues the EU Commission and German government must address to win back public trust.

Analysis

French and German businesses set their sights on 2025

In the ongoing debate on public debt, structural reforms, and competitiveness, the governmental differences between France and Germany have been thoroughly discussed. Far less attention has been given to the expectations of businesses in the two countries, although matters relating to the economy affect them with particular urgency. What problems, opportunities, and risks do they see for their own countries and for Europe in the next ten years? (English text available on the Robert Schuman Foundation website.)

Publication

Civil Society Empowerment in the EU Accession Process

The European Commission has long stated its aim of empowering civil society in EU candidate countries. In its accession process, Croatia enjoyed strong initial support for its civil society organizations (CSOs). EU interest grew less robust, however, once the accession date was set, and CSOs lost a crucial ally in their reform efforts. The experience shows the limitations of the Commission’s current policy. Seven recommendations for strengthening CSOs as active partners in the accession process.

Speech

Celebration marks the DGAP’s 60th anniversary and the conclusion of the Foreign Ministry’s “Review 2014” project

Auswärtiges Amt | German Foreign Policy

Last year Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier launched an extensive review of German foreign policy, inviting scores of political observers and commentators to offer their input. He presented the results at the foreign ministry in an official ceremony to celebrate the DGAP’s 60th anniversary. The occasion could not be more fitting, he said, since the DGAP, too, has worked for 60 years in pursuit of the same ideal: a fresh look at German foreign policy

Analysis

The Role and Potential of Member States in Shaping the Future of the EU

Reforming the EU is hardly possible without coalitions of “builders” – member states willing and able to engage in sustainable coalition building at EU level. Since 2008, the EU and its members have found themselves in the middle of yet another formative phase. Will member states eventually succeed in shaping a Union able to guarantee the prosperity, security and freedom of its citizens?